Donald Trump 'interrupts' White House meetings for personal calls on his cell phone, claims report
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reportedly continues to rely on his cell phone while in high-level White House meetings, often stepping out to call friends and allies.
A new NBC News report reveals how Trump prioritizes his personal network, raising concerns among aides and officials over the security and professionalism inside the Oval Office.
Donald Trump calls Dana White and Rupert Murdoch mid-meeting
A senior administration official told the station that Trump frequently pauses Oval Office meetings to call confidants, including UFC President Dana White and Rupert Murdoch, the former chairman of Fox and News Corp.
“Trump will interrupt an Oval Office meeting and spontaneously pick up the phone and call a friend or confidant,” said the official.
The aids added that Trump would often complain about media coverage, saying, “Let’s call Rupert. Fox is killing me today.”
Two aides confirmed to the publication that Trump has discussed major international matters, such as the conflict between Israel and Iran, directly with Murdoch to get his perspective on Washington’s involvement.
Donald Trump 'lives on the telephone'
A Republican senator who chose to remain unnamed described Trump's continued informal approach to leadership.
“He does what he wants, and they [Trump aides] let him do it,” the senator said.
Reflecting on a recent interaction, the lawmaker added, “I don’t think the president’s habits have changed much. He watches a lot of TV, and he lives on the telephone."
The aide revealed, "He likes to be called. In fact, last time I was with him, he said, ‘Why don’t you call me anymore?’ and I’m thinking, ‘Because I don’t have anything to say and, No 2, because you’re the president and you’re busy.’”
Trump sparks fears of security ‘spillage’ in fighter jet meeting
Concerns about information leaks surfaced after Trump met military officials in March to discuss the F-47, the first sixth-generation fighter jet.
The meeting was interrupted by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who walked in unexpectedly and was asked to wait outside by the officials.
During the meeting, a young aide briefly interrupted to show something on her laptop to the president. According to the report, Trump’s cell phone also rang multiple times.
Some of those present were left confused and worried, discussing among themselves whether these disruptions might have led to sensitive data being compromised. One attendee asked whether they should be concerned about “spillage.”
However, on Wednesday, July 2, a senior White House official said the incident was “mischaracterized” by the publication.
“He was not asked to leave,” the official told a separate news outlet. “He popped in to say hello at the president’s request and then left to wait for his meeting with POTUS to begin, which was scheduled to occur after the meeting with the pilots.”
Donald Trump 'likes to see whom he wants and call whom he chooses'
A senior White House official, as per the report, said, Trump casually refers to the Oval Office as “Grand Central Terminal.” Another person familiar with the meeting called it a “bizarro world.”
Several attempts to impose " a certain discipline in the Trump White House" have had limited results. The report mentioned that both current and former aides agree that the president maintains a loose style of governing.
“Trump likes to see whom he wants and call whom he chooses,” they shared with NBC News, describing a West Wing environment that continues to reflect Trump's own character and priorities.
